Health board takes aim at obesity levels

Published: Saturday, April 10, 2010

SARAH NIGHTINGALE

Many hands will make light work of the city's obesity problem, local health officials hope.

Lubbock's Board of Health discussed Friday how to team up with other agencies to cut the city's obesity levels. About 38 percent of Lubbock County residents were obese in 2007, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

"We are interested in partnering with others to see if we can encourage more work on nutrition issues," said Kae Hentges, board chairwoman.

Ann Mesaros, regional nutritionist for the Department of State Health Services, told the board about a Lubbock Coalition for Better Nutrition meeting, set for 8:45 a.m. April 20 at the organization's Lubbock office, 6302 Iola Ave. The community is invited to attend, she said.

"We are working on a Lubbock Healthy Dining Guide," Mesaros said. The group is asking restaurants to submit healthful menu options that will be compiled into a diner's guide, she said.

Also at the meeting, the board recognized departing members Suzanne Beck, Susan Bozeman, Everardo Cobos, Darnell Dingle and Ted Hartman. The following new members were appointed to three-year terms on the advisory board:

 Mark Boswell, professor and chair emeritus of the department of anesthesiology and director of the International Pain Center at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center.

 Brian Carr, a psychologist and president of Behavioral Health Associates.

 Naidu Chekuru, a pulmonologist and founding member of Lubbock's Pulmonary Associates.